A petition was handed over to the District Collector by ex-servicemen and widows of ex-servicemen on the issue of allotment of houses for them at Malaimichampatti.

“In 1995, the then government allocated free sites for around 202 families of ex-servicemen and widows of ex-servicemen of World War II. But they didn’t have the financial capabilities to build a house. But in 2000 without any notice, the land provided was taken back by the Slum Clearance Board”, says MJF R Sivarajan, President, Federation of Indian Ex-servicemen Association Tamilnadu.

There are 1800 members in the Federation at Coimbatore. Of this 60 members are currently applied for the house.

Most of them are widows. According to Sivarajan, the former DRO T Christu Raj had allotted 60 houses for the widows. But unfortunately he was transferred and the new DRO says he is not responsible for what former DRO said.

“It is pure discrimination. My husband gave his life for the nation. He trusted the government and authority that they will protect the family. But they are not. Where should we go?” says S Kanakam, Widow of Ex-serviceman, Army.

The current DRO, Durai Ravichandran denied the allegations saying that if houses were provided to them they sell it and go away.